Nonpayment Under Federal Shutdown Threatens Ray Martinez’s Right to Fair Trial
The federal government’s shutdown has entered its third week, with Republicans pushing for a clean continuing resolution and Democrats demanding funding for expanded Affordable Care Act subsidies.
The shutdown has far-reaching ramifications, impacting public defenders' ability to represent clients. Attorneys for former V.I. Police Department Commissioner Ray Martinez warned that they cannot afford accommodation on St. Thomas in December, when the trial is scheduled to begin.
Ahead of a status hearing on Tuesday, attorneys expressed concerns about the shutdown's impact on their ability to adequately represent Martinez.
Nonpayment under the federal shutdown threatens Ray Martinez's right to a fair trial.
Author's summary: Shutdown affects trial fairness.